GenXYZ 2021: Resilience propels winners in year of upheaval

Nothing can keep these go-getters down.

After weathering the most challenging of years, ColoradoBiz’s 11th annual Top 25 Most Influential Young Professionals still exude the optimism and moxie that has helped fuel their phenomenal success.

“I believe we all have things to be grateful for, even when things don’t go our way,” says winner Kayla Garcia, community affairs manager for Molson Coors Beverage Co. “And finding the positive in every situation is what will make us stronger.”

Chosen from hundreds of entries by a panel of judges, this stellar group of under 40s impressed with achievements personal and professional, making impactful contributions both at work and in their communities.

The special challenges of 2020 allowed these young professionals to showcase a characteristic they all seem to share: resilience.

Michael Graham turned his Lost City coffee shop kitchen into a staging ground to feed thousands. Josh Miller, Verizon’s first manager of community engagement, and Youth Celebrate Diversity Executive Director Caleb Munro got creative in the virtual space. Business owners Laura Smith of All Star Cleaning Services and restaurateur Joshua Pollack kept their teams employed and busy.

“Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone,” says Point Solutions CEO Paige Goss, recalling the best advice she’s ever received. “Getting comfortable being uncomfortable allows you to challenge what you thought was possible for yourself, your organization and your life.”

Read on to find out more about our exceptional Top 25.

TOP 5 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Alex Koenigsberg, President and Founder, Arula | Fort Collins

Allison Gambill, Of Counsel, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck | Denver

Jordan Deifik, Owner, LawBank | Denver

Joshalynn Green, Founder and President, Phenomenal Women Inc. | Denver

Maxwell Meyer, CEO & Co-founder, Masii.com | Colorado Springs

Alexandra Gardner, Senior Product Designer, Pinnacol Assurance | Denver

Andy Schumacher, CEO, Little Shoe Studios | Denver

Bernadette Johnson, Vice President-Strategic Analytics, Enverus | Centennial

Caleb Munro, Executive Director, Youth Celebrate Diversity | Greenwood Village

Cally Cripps, Director-Clinical Systems Integration, AllHealth Network | Englewood

Holly Wilson, Founder & CEO, Women’s Recovery | Denver

Joe Goorman, Director of Commercial Sales & Development, American Furniture Warehouse | Englewood

Joe Montoya, Co-Owner & Senior Director of Residential Services, Namaste Solar | Denver

Jonathan Munro, Senior Vice President, Regional Retail Leader Colorado Market, KeyBank | Denver

Josh Miller, Manager of Community Engagement, Verizon | Greenwood Village

Joshua Pollack, Owner, Bridge and Tunnel Restaurant Group (BTRG) | Denver

Julia Marvin, Thornton City Councilor

Kayla Garcia, Community Affairs Manager, Molson Coors Beverage Co. | Golden

Kristin Myren, Director of Operations, Premise Health | Denver

Laura Smith, Founder & Owner, All Star Cleaning Services | Fort Collins

Margaret Selzer, Founder & Principal Designer, RIVER+LIME | Denver

Michael Graham, Owner & Managing Partner, Lost City Denver

Paige Goss, CEO, Point Solutions Group | Denver

Patrick McRorie, Partner in Charge, Lathrop GPM LLP | Denver

TeRay Esquibel, Founder & Executive Director, Ednium: The Alumni Collective | Denver